Anyone who’s spent time on the coast north of Dublin knows Howth isn’t just another suburb. It’s a place where cliffs meet fine dining, and where a short train ride from the city can feel like a world away.

4 related posts

Properties listed on Daft.ie: 41 ·
Properties listed on MyHome.ie: 33 ·
Properties listed on Kelly.ie: 62

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact average sale price is not publicly available (Daft.ie)
  • Number of new builds currently under construction (Daft.ie)
3Timeline signal
  • A luxury waterfront home in Howth saw a 17% price drop after being listed on March 7, 2025 (JamesEdition)
4What’s next
  • Expect continued demand for coastal properties, with new listings appearing across portals (Lisney Sotheby’s)

Six key metrics sum up Howth’s current property landscape:

Category Value
Total listings on Kelly.ie 62
Total listings on Daft.ie 41
Total listings on MyHome.ie 33
Notable resident Bono (U2)
Suburb status Affluent, posh
Distance to Dublin city centre 13 km

Is Howth a wealthy area?

Howth is consistently described as one of the most affluent suburbs of Dublin. Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty (Ireland’s premium estate agency) calls it “one of north Dublin’s most beautiful locations,” highlighting its cliff walks, fine dining, and sea swimming as markers of a high-quality lifestyle. Property values here are significantly above the national average, and the area draws wealthy buyers seeking coastal living within 10 kilometres of the city centre.

Is Howth expensive to live?

  • An example one-bed property on Daft.ie asks €535,000 (Daft.ie)
  • A two-bed property: €695,000 (Daft.ie)
  • A three-bed property: €860,000 (Daft.ie)
  • A four-bed detached home typically exceeds €1 million (Lisney Sotheby’s)

Is Howth a posh area?

Yes. The combination of historic properties, waterfront views, and a village atmosphere gives Howth a cachet that few Dublin suburbs match. According to Le Figaro Properties (French luxury property portal), Howth is positioned as a luxury and holiday-property market. The presence of high-net-worth individuals, including celebrities, reinforces that status.

The trade-off

Buyers pay a premium for Howth’s coastal charm, but the trade-off is limited inventory and fierce competition for the handful of family-sized homes under €1 million.

What celebs live in Howth?

Howth is known as a retreat for Irish celebrities, most notably Bono, the lead singer of U2, who owns a home in the area. Other actors and musicians have been drawn to its privacy and beauty. This celebrity presence adds to the area’s desirability and often appears in marketing materials from agents like Lisney Sotheby’s.

Which U2 member lives in Howth?

Bono has a residence in Howth, a fact widely reported in Irish media and estate agent profiles.

Does anyone famous live in Howth?

At least one other high-profile Irish musician is believed to own property in the area, though exact addresses are rarely publicised.

Why this matters

For buyers, a celebrity neighbour isn’t just a talking point — it signals an exclusive micro-market where prices hold firm even during downturns.

How many houses are for sale in Howth?

Inventory varies by portal, but the total active listings currently sit between 33 and 62, depending on whether you count sale-agreed properties.

Properties listed on Daft.ie

41 properties are listed on Daft.ie for Howth, Dublin (Daft.ie).

Properties listed on MyHome.ie

33 properties are listed on MyHome.ie (MyHome.ie).

Properties listed on Kelly.ie

62 properties appear on Kelly.ie, including sale-agreed listings (Kelly.ie). One example: a property at €565,000 is marked ‘Sale Agreed’ with ‘Open Viewing’.

The implication: the number of truly available homes is likely closer to the Daft.ie count of 41, since sale-agreed units on Kelly.ie inflate the total.

What types of properties are available in Howth?

Howth’s housing stock ranges from historic cottages to modern luxury waterfront homes. The mix reflects its heritage as a fishing village turned wealthy suburb.

New houses for sale in Howth

New developments do appear, though infrequently. Lisney Sotheby’s notes that Howth has “historic properties” and some new-build stock in select phases.

Detached houses for sale in Howth

Detached houses are common, especially in the leafy roads above the harbour. A typical four-bed detached home commands over €1 million (Daft.ie).

Small cottages and bungalows in Howth

Smaller cottages and bungalows can be found near the village centre. Kelly.ie lists at least one bungalow at €565,000 (Kelly.ie).

How much does it cost to buy a house in Howth?

Asking prices in Howth vary dramatically, from under €500,000 for a one-bed apartment to several million for water-view luxury homes. The Daft.ie price ladder shows €535,000 for a one-bed, €695,000 for a two-bed, and €860,000 for a three-bed (Daft.ie). At the top end, JamesEdition lists a luxury waterfront home that dropped from $2,624,732 to $2,169,778 (JamesEdition, luxury property marketplace).

Average house price in Howth

No single authoritative average exists, but based on listing data, most family-sized homes start around €700,000 and climb quickly above €1 million. Howth is consistently more expensive than neighbouring suburbs like Sutton or Baldoyle.

Affordable entry-level properties in Howth

Entry-level options exist — mainly one-bed apartments or small cottages — but they are rare. Kelly.ie lists a one-bed property at €565,000 that is already sale agreed (Kelly.ie).

The catch

The cheapest houses in Howth often need renovation or are located on busier roads, so the “affordable” entry price may come with hidden costs.

Upsides

  • Stunning coastal setting with cliff walks and sea swimming
  • Proximity to Dublin (10 km, 30 minutes by train)
  • Strong resale value and celebrity cachet
  • Mix of historic cottages and luxury homes

Downsides

  • Very limited inventory — fewer than 50 active listings typically
  • High entry prices; nothing decent under €500,000
  • Competition from high-net-worth buyers and investors
  • Sale-agreed numbers can mislead about true availability

“Howth remains one of north Dublin’s most beautiful locations, in high demand from buyers seeking cliff walks, fine dining, and sea swimming.”

Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty (Ireland’s premium estate agency)

“The available listings in Howth differ by portal, with Daft.ie showing 41 properties and Kelly.ie showing 62 properties, indicating that inventory counts are platform-specific.”

Daft.ie

Howth’s housing market is defined by scarcity and aspiration. For the buyer who values coastal lifestyle over square footage, it remains a top choice — but only if they move fast. With inventory rarely exceeding 50 active homes and competition from those who can afford the premium, the decision is clear: act when a suitable property appears, or wait months for the next one.

Additional sources

greatcoloradohomes.com, redfin.com, properties.lefigaro.com

For a broader view of the area, consider how the nearby Baldoyle market compares in terms of pricing and availability.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Howth a good place to live?

Yes — it offers a unique blend of coastal scenery, village community, and proximity to Dublin city centre. However, the high cost of housing is a barrier for many buyers.

How do I find houses for sale in Howth?

Use the main Irish property portals: Daft.ie, MyHome.ie, and Kelly.ie. For luxury homes, JamesEdition and Le Figaro Properties also list Howth properties.

What is the best time to buy a house in Howth?

Spring and autumn tend to see more listings. But due to low inventory, the best time is when a suitable property appears — timing the market is less important than availability.

Are there any fees involved in buying a house in Howth?

Standard Irish purchase costs apply: stamp duty (1% up to €1 million, 2% above), solicitor fees, survey costs, and potentially mortgage arrangement fees.

How do I arrange a viewing for a house in Howth?

Contact the estate agent listed on the portal. Most agents offer in-person or virtual viewings. For popular properties, book early.

What is the public transport like from Howth to Dublin?

Howth has a DART station (commuter rail) that reaches Dublin city centre in about 30 minutes. Dublin Bus also serves the area.

Are there schools in Howth?

Yes — Howth has several primary and secondary schools, including St. Mary’s National School and Sutton Park School nearby.